Saint Paul, MN Soliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- License required
- Peddler, solicitor, transient merchant (§345.02)
- Term
- Expires 1 year from application (§345.04)
- Solicitor bond
- $1,000 surety bond (§345.09)
- Badge
- Photo badge worn on outer garment (§345.06)
- Exempt
- Registered charitable/religious/political/educational orgs (§345.03)
- Food sellers
- Also need Chapter 331 food license (§345.02)
Summary
Peddlers, transient merchants, and solicitors must get a license from Saint Paul before going door to door, per City Code § 345.02. Solicitors doing business strictly by appointment are exempt from the license. Anyone selling edible products also needs the separate Chapter 331 food license, and transient merchants must file proof of their state license first.
It is unlawful for any peddler, transient merchant or solicitor, other than a solicitor doing business by appointment, to engage in any such business within the City of Saint Paul without first obtaining a license therefor in compliance with the provisions of the chapter. In addition to the license required under this section, any person who shall sell edible products must also obtain the applicable food license under the provisions of Chapter 331, and any person applying to do business as a transient merchant within the city shall file proof of possession of the license required by Minnesota Statutes, Section 329.11.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 133 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
02 makes it unlawful for any peddler, transient merchant or solicitor, other than a solicitor doing business only by appointment, to operate in Saint Paul without a license. 05 requires the applicant's name and address, a description of the goods sold, employer information, vehicle details if one is used, a head-and-shoulders photo taken by the license division, and the applicant's Minnesota sales tax permit number plus proof of workers' compensation coverage. 06 requires the licensee to wear a badge bearing that photo, a license number, and the expiration date on their outer garment at all times while working; transient merchants instead post the license at their place of business.
07 makes the license strictly personal, no one may use another person's license, and it cannot be transferred. 09, covering final delivery of goods ordered or a refund of any advance payment, and anyone harmed by the solicitor can sue the bond directly. 04. 03 exempts canvassing for a charitable, religious, political or educational organization registered with the Secretary of State under Minn. 515), and exempts future door-to-door newspaper delivery solicitations.
Violations & Fines
Operating as a peddler, transient merchant or solicitor without the § 345.02 license is unlawful and exposes the seller to citation and license denial. The license is personal and non-transferable under § 345.07, so lending or borrowing a badge is a separate violation. Failing to post the $1,000 bond required of solicitors under § 345.09 blocks license issuance outright, and a wronged customer can sue that bond for a refund or damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do religious or charity canvassers need a Saint Paul solicitor license?
What must a solicitor post before going door to door?
How long does a Saint Paul peddler or solicitor license last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
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